Sunshine Coast’s favourite Children’s Festival is back

The Sunshine Coast’s most anticipated Children’s Festival is back on the calendar. This year the Noosa Pengari Steiner School Children’s Festival is aligning with the international celebrations of 100 years of Steiner education.

The Children’s Festival has been embraced by the local community year after year and will be held once again on Sunday 15 September from 10am to 3pm.

The theme of this year’s festival is ‘Bees and Trees’, and is one that is close to the heart of the school. The students of Noosa Pengari Steiner School have been developing a living bee ecosystem over the last three years.

There are now 20 European honey bee hives located around the school and students participate in the bee husbandry required to naturally look after bees and in return sell their honey in their own micro business called Pengari Honey. This precious honey will be for sale at the festival.

Gardening Teacher Sarah Lees-Barton said by developing a love of bees, natural bee keeping and the importance of pollination, Noosa Pengari is empowering the youth of today to be our next generation of sustainable bee keepers and bee protectors.

“The students create frames, take part in managing the hives, harvest, bottle, developed their own logo, manage the business side and gain a deep appreciation for the humble life of the honey bee and what is required to ensure their health and sustainability in the future,” Sarah said.

There will also be a special display of Australian Native Bees with the legendary ‘Native Bee Nick’ giving talks on how to keep your own bees. There will be beautiful Australian made hives available to purchase on the day – complete with Native stingless bees. Get a ticket or two in the giant raffle and have the chance to win one of these beautiful hand-crafted Red Cedar hives drawn on the day.There will be plenty for parents to explore including the pre-loved clothing stall, student original works on display, or you can join one of the school tours. If relaxing is more your thing, why not indulge in a delicious homemade delight from the popular Cake House or kick back and enjoy music performances with a cuppa at the Chai Cafe.

Watch your child as they surprise and delight in finding treasure in the always popular Gem Hunt, or whilst they float their very own boat down the man-made River Run. There will also be opportunities for painting, wood work, tie dying, as well as creating wands and beautiful nature garlands.

The Children’s Festival prides itself on presenting a range of activities which emphasis creativity, wonder and a respect for nature. Created and run entirely by parent volunteers, the festival is designed to give children of all ages, Mums and Dads, and even those who are just young at heart, the opportunity to enjoy a magical and fun day out.

In its 23rd year it is set to be a celebration of family and community, bringing magic to our children through music, craft, nature and entertainment. This grass roots festival delivers something for everyone, offering an abundance of nourishing and locally sourced food, live entertainment and an array of fun and creative children’s activities.

Entry is free and the 2019 Children’s Festival will be held at Noosa Pengari Steiner School at 86 Nyell Road, Doonan (off Grays Road) with parking available at the Pony Club off Fellowship Drive, with a free shuttle to and from the school grounds.